The 2020-21 Philadelphia 76ers roster seemed to be the best version of the team so far, as it's comprised of two stars, talented role players, and veterans with championship experience. Despite that, the Sixers fell in the NBA playoffs at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks—the weaker team on paper.
The latest defeat marks the Sixers' third second-round exit out of four playoff campaigns during the Joel Embiid-Ben Simmons era. With that said, this might be the time to make a change and choose between Embiid and Simmons since it doesn't look like they actually mesh together.
Do the Sixers trade Simmons or Embiid?
The answer is obvious. Simmons needs to go. You don't need to be a basketball expert to conclude that the Australian playmaker's stubbornness not to work on his offense is the primary reason for his team's failures.
Though we've answered the question and the reasons are clear, let's still take time to discuss what the numbers show about Simmons. And despite him being a liability on offense, the Sixers can still salvage a trade package and continue their quest for the title.
Ben Simmons passing up dunks now??pic.twitter.com/qovIypu2wZ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 21, 2021
Trade Ben Simmons
Some people must be confused and disappointed at the same time upon realizing that Simmons was not on the floor in the final minutes of Game 7. After all, Simmons is their second-best player, and like any other star, he should've been there when his team needed him the most.
However, Sixers diehards know why Simmons wasn't there: he cannot score.
For the entire series, Simmons averaged just 6.4 field goal attempts per game. For comparison, franchise players like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are taking around 20 shots per game in the playoffs in their career. Even when Leonard's role was the primary stopper for the San Antonio Spurs, he averaged 10 shots per game in the postseason.
You might argue that Simmons is not really the type who jacks up shots. So let's compare him to a star who, like him, is a pass-first player and doesn't really look to create opportunities for himself. Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul fits this description, and he averages 14.8 field goal attempts per game. All this means is that Simmons is running out of excuses. Years ago, he claimed he doesn't need to add a jump shot to his arsenal as other aspects of his game cover this void.
But look at where this reasoning has brought him and the Sixers now? Nowhere.
Ben Simmons 4th quarter this series:
Game 1: 2-2 FG
Game 2: 0-0 FG
Game 3: 1-1 FG
Game 4: 0-0 FG
Game 5: 0-0 FG
Game 6: 0-0 FG
Game 7: 0-0 FG— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) June 21, 2021
This is not the end of the world for Simmons and the Sixers. Ben's basketball IQ is still one of the very best, as observed through his playmaking abilities. Of course, he's now a two-time member of the NBA All-Defensive First Team—an accomplishment that not a lot of stars have. However, the Philly front office by now should realize that Simmons cannot help them in their title hopes. They need a star who can be there for them from start to finish.
Simmons still has some value, and they can trade him to a different team that needs his skill set the most.
Trade Ben Simmons For Who?
Damian Lillard's massive four-year, $176 million contract will take effect next season. Note that Lillard signed the extension two years ago when things were looking good for the Portland Trail Blazers. However, things have gone downhill since then. The team had to endure a series of early playoff exits, but the firing of Terry Stotts could signify that more changes are about to happen.
As such, NBA fans should not be surprised if Lillard requests for a trade. At this point in his career, he would want to be part of a championship team. The Sixers perfectly fit the bill. The Blazers wouldn't likely agree for a straight-up swap given Simmons' limits on offense. ESPN's Trade Machine allows a transaction involving Damian Lillard and Norman Powell for Ben Simmons and Seth Curry.
San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan has been in the rumor mill as of late. DeRozan, 32, will be an unrestricted free agent this season. While he's still good, analysts believe that he's not a max contract-type player anymore. And there's little indication the Spurs intend to re-sign him. This is where Simmons can enter. He's young with infinite potential—the perfect guy to rebuild around.
There's no other coach than Gregg Popovich who can develop Simmons' potential. The Spurs have a good track record of developing its players. ESPN's Trade Machine allows a transaction involving DeRozan and Lonnie Walker IV for Simmons. Specifically, a sign-and-trade can be pursued by both teams.
Follow Us
Subscribe